Category Archives for Bike Lights

As the nights draw in, and the skies get dark, it’s important for cyclists to remain seen. That goes for any kind of weather, including rain, snow, sleet, and fog. Fog lights for bikes with bright bulbs are an essential part of cycling and anyone that owns a bike should have them. Not only do fog lights—also known as fog lamps—allow you to see where you’re going in the darkest of conditions, they also alert other cyclists and motorists to your presence. This allows them a chance to give you extra room as they pass.

What makes a good fog bike light?

You may be wondering what you should you look out for when fog bike light shopping. To help you along in that department here’s a few things to look out for before making your decision:​

The main thing to keep in mind while shopping for a fog light for your bike is safety. Will it keep you illuminated in dark, foggy conditions? If the answer is yes, then you’re halfway there. To help you in your search for the best lights for you, below is a list of the top 5 of lights available for bikes currently.

1. Aszune Bicycle Light Silicone Fog Light for Bicycle

Price range: Low

For just a few dollars, you can literally save your life with one of these sets. Made from premium silicone alloy these bright beams of light are waterproof, weatherproof, and built to last. There are three different light modes to choose from with this model that will make sure you’re seen in even the thickest of fog and darkest of nights. They’re powered by two lithium-ion batteries that can be seen up to 600 feet away and in flash mode will last up to 160 hrs. With a simple one touch switch, just push the button and immediately you’re illuminated. Then when you’re safe at your destination, simply push the button again to switch them off.

Verdict: These lamps are more effective for people being able to see you then they are at lighting the way for you. However, they’re cheap, easy to fit, and are very effective.

Overall rating: 10/10

2. Goodkssop 180 lm Bright Retro Bicycle LED Fog Light

Price range: High

Not only will these make you clearly visible to traffic but they’ll shine the way for you too. Made from a high-quality durable metal, this retro-looking fog headlight was built to last. Included in the package is a bracket that allows you to mount the light on either the front or the rear of the frame, helping to keep you safe at night and in foggy conditions. It’s powered by 3xAAA batteries.

Verdict: This light works as it should and being 180 lumens is very bright. But, it’s not the easiest to fit and the materials are a little on the cheap side, considering it's a high-end model.

Overall rating: 8/10

3. Oisle 4000mAh LED Bicycle Light

Price range: High

This innovative light will keep you safe in even the darkest of hours. It’s USB rechargeable and takes less than 4 hours to charge. Being fully charged, you’ll get around 4 hours worth of light, depending on the mode the light’s in. One of the really neat things about this bike light is that it has its own automatic adjustment feature built-in. On top of the lamp sits a light sensor than can adjust its brightness depending on the natural light that’s present. It even doubles up as a portable power bank for your mobile phone. It’s weatherproof, waterproof, and useful to have any time of the year.

Verdict: It’s a really bright fog bike light that’s durable, easy to mount, and loaded with cool features.

Overall rating: 10/10

4. OxyLED USB Bike Light Set

Price range: Mid

For a heavy-duty bike light that will keep you seen in all kinds of weather conditions, these OxyLEDs are a good buy. It's a universal light set so it should fit quite easily to any mountain bike, BMX, or scooter. The light housing is made of top-quality aluminum alloy that’s durable, long-lasting and will ensure your light remains protected. With a fog light bulb that has an output of 300 lumens and a runtime of up to 6 hours on low, this fog bike light makes a great addition to any bike, keeping you and your path lit in the meantime.

Verdict: This bike light is quick and easy to fit and you can easily adjust the angle of the taillight if need be. It does everything you need it to and is really bright. I just wish it was rechargeable.

Overall verdict: 9/10

5. Gobike Headlight and Taillight Set

Price range: Mid

Made by Gobike, this bike light set is durable, functional, and even doubles up as a flashlight. You don’t need any tools to mount them either, so they can be removed easily for security. With these fog bike light bulbs you have a visibility of up to 1500 ft to make sure you’re seen from as far away as possible, keeping you safe among traffic. There are four modes with the Gobike light set that can be set depending on your preference. The lights run off 3xAAA batteries and are both waterproof and shockproof so are ideal for using in harsh weather conditions.

Verdict: These lights are good LED lights that I have no concerns with in terms of durability or reliability. They’re easy to mount and overall fantastic value for money.

Overall verdict: 10/10​

Bike Light sets are fast becoming an essential item for cyclists. Owners of mountain bikes, road bikes, and even children’s bikes are becoming increasingly concerned with ensuring safety and security during leisurely bike rides, intensive cardio-style cycling, and more.

In response to mounting consumer demand, many companies have released state-of-the-art LED lighting systems that offer cyclists unparalleled visibility while also guaranteeing that they can be clearly seen by passing motorists with their tail lights at distances of up to 1500 feet.

With an immense number of product options available on the market, including options that are USB powered or battery powered in addition to many lighting sets featuring varying levels of brightness, finding the right bike light set for your individual needs can be a confusing process.

To clarify the bike light purchasing process and to make your next purchase an easy and well-informed one, let us assist you in streamlining the decision-making process by providing you with informative reviews packed with relevant pros and cons that will ultimately help you make the best choice for your cycling lighting needs.

Read on below for our top bike headlight and rear light (tail light) set reviews and picks for 2017 and let us help you find the best bike lock for your individual requirements.

1. Blitzu Gator 320 USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set

The Blitzu Gator 320 USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set is well known for its lightweight construction, and super-bright LED lighting.

Perfect for night time bike riders, the Blitzu Gator ensures peace of mind with the impossible-to-miss crystal clear and brightly lit LED lamps on the front and back of the bicycle.

Despite its lightweight construction, the Blitzu Gator is a powerful tool that offers consumers an all-in-one safety apparatus that can be used on a variety of bikes and other equipment. In addition to using for bikes, the Blitzu Gator can be used as an emergency light in your car or home, basement, attic, or within emergency kits during power outages. Perfect for use during running, camping, hiking, jogging, walking your dog, changing tires in dangerous roadside conditions.

One of the best options available on the market today for ensuring enhanced visibility and maximum levels of safety and security, the Blitzu Gator is currently among the best-selling bike lights available on the market today in 2017.

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2. BV Bicycle Light Set Super Bright Quick Release 5 LED Headlight, 3 LED Taillight

With out-of-the-box easy installation, users are able to quickly mount this super bright LED headlight and taillight combo set onto their bike seatposts and handlebars.

Providing immediate peace of mind for night time bike riders concerned with visibility, this bike light set comes with a total of 5 brightly-lit LED lights that are visible to cars up to 1500 feet away and also have the ability to light surface areas in front and behind the bicycle by up to 40 feet.

A special rapid-release system for headlight removal from its mounting position enables users to easily take the light on and off their bike, ensuring the utmost security in a variety of activities.

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3. Bright Eyes Aircraft Aluminum Waterproof 300 Lumen LED Bike Light Set

The aptly named Bright Eyes Aircraft Aluminum Waterproof Bike Light Set sports seriously rugged looks and features a plethora of user-appreciated design elements within its robust construction.

With every purchase coming with two lights, this product is perfect for families, couples, and is a great option for “his and hers” bike light sets.

The compact and ergonomic design of this light set results in a near-universal fit on most handlebar sizes. Installation requires a mere minute or two via an adjustable screw with no tools necessary.

Perfect for your nightly bike ride or your next big adventure, the brightly lit LED lights featured on this set ensure long-lasting, crystal-clear visibility with adjustable modes available to dim or brighten the intensity of the light to your liking.

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4. Cycle Torch Shark 500 USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set

Priced at the higher end of the price spectrum for bike light sets, the Cycle Torch Shark 500 is a powerful device that offers immense light, visibility, and safety for cyclists.

Through its USB charging mechanism, this device requires no batteries and can be fully charged through any USB port. Smart charging technology ensures that charging is automatically shut off after two hours.

With a running time of up to two full hours using the highlighting option, the Cycle Torch Shark functions via a 5000 lumens powered LED light with high output CREE, thus ensuring unparalleled levels of safety and security during nighttime bike rides and other various activities.

Made of the highest quality aircraft-grade aluminum available, this premium product stands apart from the competition as a premier choice for the most discriminating of buyers.

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5. Team Obsidian Super Bright LED Bike Set

Team Obsidian’s Super Bright LED bike light set features high-quality construction featuring solid aluminum materials and durable ABS plastic reflectors. Utterly well built, this product is perfect in all cycling environments and a variety of terrains from urban to rugged.

With convenient flashing modes to ensure that motorists will always see you, this exceptional light system can be used just as well during the day in addition to nighttime use.

Never-fail CREE powered LED-style lighting works off 200 Lumens and high-efficiency light bulbs to ensure long-lasting performance and durability.

Consumers will love the lifetime guarantee that this product is backed by and will have the utmost confidence in making this product their next bike light set purchase.

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For more valuable information on the different kinds of bike lights available on the market today, visit us at bikingtribe.com.

With our crew of highly-trained specialists, we are among the leading sites online for information pertaining to bicycles, security, performance, and more.

When lights are mentioned, only a few think of the bike tail light. Most bikers tend to focus on the headlight, not knowing that the tail lights are legally mandatory. Although headlights help you see where you’re going, tail lights make it easy for other road users to notice you from behind.

Depending on how and where you ride, your priorities regarding flashing modes, battery life, and brightness will vary. Do you go for standard or would LED lights prove a more worthwhile solution? Read on to find out more.

Things to Consider When Choosing a Bike’s Tail Light

Type of Riding

For people who use their bikes just to run errands and get back home, a basic bike tail light will do the job. Simple flashers that use batteries are effective and cheap, not to mention that they are durable. For those who take long rides at night or commute on busy roads, brighter lights will do the trick.

You can find multiple brighter AAA powered rear lights and USB rechargeable rear lights that will attract a driver’s attention from afar. Some riders fit more than one rear light to increase their chances of being noticed by oncoming drivers.

Optics

The characteristics of the light cast matter when you are trying to cast different shadows from potholes. Things tend to appear undefined and flat after dark, but the right rear light can help you avoid potential hazards.

The Type of Flashing

The law requires bikers to have tail lights that have flashing modes between one to four flashes per second. The actual modes differ and some will be outside that range. However, you don’t want to end up with constant pulsing modes.

The type of flashing differs for different riders. Some will keep their light flashing on because it makes them visible from far while others will keep a constant light for the oncoming drivers to easily judge the distance.

Durability of the Battery

While most tail lights will easily last you for long, you cannot trust USB rechargeable batteries to last you a whole night. If you prefer tail lights that don’t need to be recharged all the time, go for a rear light with AAA powered batteries.

Visibility

Although most tail lights are bright, in some cases, traffic may be approaching you from different directions and this can become a problem. In such a case, go for a light with a wide angle of visibility.

Mounting

You can now find rear lights with various types of mounting styles and options like strap mounts or clamp mounts. Strap mount tail lights are popular as they are placed on the seat post without requiring any special tool. If you’d rather go for a heavier light, the clamp mounted tail light would be ideal.

Number of Lumens

While companies could easily trick you into buying a rear light, go for one that has an FL-1 certification. This ensures that the lumens advertised are what you’ll find when you buy the product. For cycling in the city, you can opt for 300 – 500 lumens. If you simply use your bike to go to the mall and back, a rear light with 200 – 300 lumens would be ideal.

Here are the top 5 Best Cycling Lightsin 2017

Knog Blinder Road R70

Being one of the strongest performing and well-designed lights available, the Knog Blinder rear light pumps out sufficient light to keep you visible. Moreover, it has a huge variety of placement options while still giving you a good battery life. With 44 lumens, you’re assured that you’re well-lit without blinding the person behind you.

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Blitzu Cyborg 168T

Blitzu Cyborg provides plenty of intensity light. With its ability to give consistent light for added visibility, these rear lights are also easy to install and are perfect if you’re riding in poorly lit areas.

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CygoLite Hotshot 50 lm

Compared to its original version, this tail light provides maximum light which is nearly 50 lumens for added safety.

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Cycle Torch GT800

Powered with 800 lumens, the Cycle Torch helps you to reduce the chance of an accident to almost zero. You’re assured of an advanced level of visibility and safety. Featuring a compact design, this rear light is lightweight and works with different kind of bikes.

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Lezyne Strip Drive Pro Rear Light

One of the many additions for Lezyne is the Strip Drive Pro which is a revamped version. With a maximum output of 100 lumens, this Lezyne rear light ensures that you’re visible to anyone and everyone when riding in poorly lit conditions.

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Choosing a rear light for your bike is no longer about luxury. Tail lights ensure that you’re visible to oncoming drivers which could help prevent injuries and accidents. Go for a quality tail light made of durable material, one that is easy to mount, and a rear light that provides maximum visibility for your type of riding be it commuting or just running simple errands.

Both rear lights and front lights on your mountain bike or road bike are essential if you’re going to be driving in less than ideal weather or if you’re going to be riding in the dark. A good quality light is important and it needs to be bright enough that a car or even another bike rider will be able to see where you are at all times. With a USB rechargeable light, you’re going to have a super easy to charge light that doesn’t need batteries all the time, which definitely saves you some money.

However, with so many super bright USB rechargeable bicycle lights on the market, it all comes down to performance and battery life. Therefore, to help make your decision a little easier, we have put together a review of the best USB rechargeable bike lights for 2017.

Cygolite Hotshot Pro 80

With this Cygolite Hotshot Light, you’re going to get a whole lot of power and you’re going to have no problem getting it for a decent amount of time. It gives you 50 lumens of super bright light that lasts for about 2 hours and 45 minutes so you can definitely have a nice long ride. It even lets you know when the battery is starting to get low so you can start heading back to get it charged back up. Because it charges your laptop’s USB port via a USB cord you don’t have to worry about carrying batteries around or making sure you have extras in your house. You just plug it into a computer or other outlet and you’re going to be all set to go.

If you’re looking for something that will really let people know you’re there you can use this light on one of the two brightness levels available as well as the flashing or pulsing modes. With a moderate price, it’s definitely something to consider and it’s going to help you stay safe no matter what. It’s completely water resistant and can be mounted on a seat post or seat stay so you’re going to have no problem keeping yourself in good shape.

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Fenix BC21R

The fenix-bc21r-image is capable of putting out 880 lumens, which is definitely more than enough for riding no matter where or when you want to go. It provides a neutral white LED with color rendition to make sure you’re easily visible no matter what. It also has a quick release mount that ensures you can always see where you’re going and everyone can see you. It uses a dual distance beam system so you’re safer than ever and can be charged with a micro USB. Included in the system, are additional lithium-ion batteries so you’ll never be without the light you need to be safe.

This system is a little bit more expensive, but you get a whole lot for that. The system is designed to make sure lights don’t end up in someone’s eyes and there’s no glare. It’s also able to work for up to 15 hours depending on the intensity that you set it to and with four different levels plus a flashing option, this is definitely going to get you just the amount of light you need. All you need to do is flip one switch and you’ll be ready to go all the time plus there’s a low-battery warning indicator.​

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Cateye Rapid Mini

If you’re looking for an inexpensive option for your next light then the Cateye Rapid Mini is definitely a great one to choose. It’s priced around $30 and offers a whole lot for that low price. It’s actually designed as a taillight, keeping you visible from behind rather than shining to light your way in the front. It has a light mode memory and can run for up to 30 hours on just one single charge. Plus, it charges with a USB cord rather than needing new batteries every time the light dies out. You’ll even have an auto save feature for the battery and an indicator when it starts getting low.

Ultra lightweight, this light can attach any way you want and offers 4 different modes of light so you are always visible. It comes with a number of different mounting brackets and systems so you can get it where you want and it can be mounted either vertically or horizontally, to fit your own personal preference. Not only that but it is small enough to store and carry around when you don’t need it and you can set it up again without the need for tools. You can get going on your ride whenever you want and you’ll be more than happy with the results that you get when you use it for nighttime riding as it has a decent amount of power.

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The USB bike headlights and rear bike lights here are definitely going to help you stay safer when you’re getting out there on your bike. With a rechargeable battery (and some with spares) and several features, such as a flash mode and a helmet mount, they last for an extended period of time with a long battery life, so you can take a bike ride as long as you want. From different light modes to different intensity levels, these bike lights are definitely going to provide you with a whole lot of great features that are going to make it easier than ever for you to ride your mountain bike whenever you want and however long you want.